In complete, but unofficial returns Hunter received 4,771 votes for 53 percent. Clark received 4,156 votes for 47 percent of the vote.

Hunter is currently a member of the Louisiana House of Representatives serving in his second term. Clark is a Monroe City Court judge.

"I feel amazing," Hunter said Tuesday night. "It’s an opportunity to transition from the legislative branch to the judicial branch and serve the people of Ouachita and Morehouse Parish on a local level."

Hunter said leaving the legislature will be bittersweet. "I’ve made some great friends in the House" he said. But, he's already shifted focus to the new position. "It's hard to focus on the rear view mirror when the windshield is coming on. This is an opportunity to come home and continue to serve the people."

Hunter said he realizes as a new judge there will be a lot of "grunt work" in the beginning, but he has long-term plans. "If I can get my colleagues to agree, I would like to create a weekend and night court, maybe once a month," he said.

"We have a lot of people who have jobs and can't come to court in the middle of the day. This way they won't have to choose between jobs and working warrants."